Physics Laboratory III
Keywords |
Classification |
Keyword |
OFICIAL |
Physics |
Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S
Cycles of Study/Courses
Acronym |
No. of Students |
Study Plan |
Curricular Years |
Credits UCN |
Credits ECTS |
Contact hours |
Total Time |
L:F |
27 |
Official Study Plan |
3 |
- |
6 |
44 |
162 |
Teaching Staff - Responsibilities
Teaching language
Portuguese
Obs.: Português - Suitable for English-speaking students
Objectives
To acquire competences of experimental techniques and tools in modern physics and engineering, through laboratorial practice associated with data analysis and critical interpretation of results.
In particular, it is intended to:
- Expand the skills for handling precision laboratory measurement equipment (lock-in, LCR meter, Hall sensors, Geiger counter, etc.);
- Introduce techniques for measuring and analysing radioactive processes;
- Introduce precision optical measurement techniques, in particular interferometry and spectroscopy;
- Introduce advanced methods for measuring physical properties of condensed matter at cryogenic temperatures;
- Practice automatic data acquisition.
Additionally, given a set of topics covered in this curricular unit, such as the determination of the speed of light and the Planck constant, it is also intended to drive the students into major open questions in the context of current physical theories.
Learning outcomes and competences
- Competences in the identification, formulation and solving of physics and engineering problems;
- Mastery of advanced measurement techniques and use of physics and engineering tools;
- Application of knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering in a laboratory environment;
- Deepen communication skills in science (report and oral discussion);
- Development of teamwork skills;
- Awareness of open questions in current physical theories.
Working method
Presencial
Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)
Established in the course curriculum
Program
The Physics Laboratory III Curricular Unit proposes the realization of a set of experiments in the domains of, i) Atomic and Nucleus Physics, ii) Solid State and Condensed Matter Physics, iii) Optics.
The experiments introduce the application of precision measurement techniques, as well as techniques for characterizing optical and electrical properties of materials.
The use of specific laboratory instruments and techniques is introduced, such as optical interferometers, optical spectrometer, LCR meter, Hall effect, goniometers, synchronous detection and heterodyne detection.
It also seeks to expose students to the correct use of automatic data acquisition and processing.
Advanced data processing and analysis techniques are also explored, such as:
- assessment/calibration of the measurement baseline
- determination of experimental data statistics
- boxcar averaging
- determination of characteristic parameters of experimental curves
In two of the experiments of the program, the fundamental physical constants speed of light and Planck's constant are determined.
Ten experiences are proposed, distributed as follows:
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
- Study of Radioactive Decay Processes
- LED Emission, Quantum of Light and Photoelectric Effect
Condensed Matter Physics
- Identification and characterization of a Metal and a Semiconductor from their Thermal Behaviour
- Study of the Hall Effect and Characterization of Semiconductors
- Measurement of Magnetization with a Vibrant Sample Magnetometer
- Study of Superconductivity (characterization of a superconductor using cryogenic techniques and the four-contact electric technique)
Mechanics
Characterization of Materials with Ultrasounds
Optics
- Study of Optical Interference Phenomena and Applications
- Spectroscopy and Fluorescence
- Optical Measurements and Properties of Light (including determination of the speed of light)
Mandatory literature
Departamento de Física e Astronomia; Protocolos os trabalhos experimentais de Laboratório de Física III
Colin J. Smithells; Metals Reference Book. ISBN: 0-408-70627-9
Berendsen Herman J. C.; A Student Guide to Data and Error Analysis. ISBN: 9780521134927
Taylor John R; An Introduction to Error Analysis. ISBN: 0-935702-75-X
John Wulff; The Structure and Properties of Materials. ISBN: 0-471-61265-0
Complementary Bibliography
Semyon G. Rabinovich; Measurement Errors and Uncertainties. ISBN: 0-387-98835-1
Barry N. Taylor and Chris E. Kuyatt; Guidelines for Evaluating and Expressing the Uncertainty of NIST Measurement Result
Teaching methods and learning activities
The operation of the curricular unit is based on the following components:
- Students work in groups of two;
- The semester includes a total of twelve laboratory classes with the distribution, i) one class for the presentation of the proposed experiments, ii) ten classes for carrying out practical work, ii) one class for presential assessment;
Software
Um conjunto vasto de progamas possibilitam o tratamento dos dados experimentais (Excel, Phyton, ...)
keywords
Physical sciences > Physics > Applied physics > Experimental physics
Evaluation Type
Distributed evaluation without final exam
Assessment Components
designation |
Weight (%) |
Prova oral |
30,00 |
Trabalho escrito |
35,00 |
Trabalho laboratorial |
35,00 |
Total: |
100,00 |
Amount of time allocated to each course unit
designation |
Time (hours) |
Estudo autónomo |
58,00 |
Trabalho escrito |
20,00 |
Trabalho laboratorial |
40,00 |
Frequência das aulas |
44,00 |
Total: |
162,00 |
Eligibility for exams
To obtain frequency in the Curricular Unit, the student must fulfil the following requirements:
- Prepare in advance the experimental work to be carried out in a minimum of two thirds of the planned laboratory activities;
- Deliver two laboratory activity reports;
Calculation formula of final grade
For the calculation of the final mark, the following evaluation elements and respective weights will be taken into account:
- Logbook: 35% (eight experimental activities are obligatory + two of valorization)
- Reports (two, first report weighing 40%, the second weighing 60%): 35%
- Presential assessment (discussion of reports prepared by the student): 30%
In the logbook, the student must sequentially record all the relevant information of all the work developed in this Curricular Unit, either during the class or during the working time outside the classroom, namely the preparation of the experimental activity, the registration of data obtained, all observations made and analysis of the results and respective conclusions.
The evaluation of the student logbook considers two aspects:
- Preparation of the laboratory work to be carried out (what are you going to do? What are the associated physical principles? What are the assemblies and equipment required?);
- Treatment and critical analysis of the laboratorial work performed;
The scientific reports to be prepared will be indicated by the teachers.
The presential assessment will be held in the final week of classes, which consists of discussing the reports prepared by the student.
Examinations or Special Assignments
----
Internship work/project
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Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)
As all assessment components require laboratory work, it is recommended the students in this situation contact the teacher in order to enable the practical component to be carried out in a flexible schedule, using the weekly attendance session.
Classification improvement
Given the experimental nature of the curricular unit, the final grade can only be improved in the following academic year, under the terms of paragraph b) of number 2 of article 12 of the FCUP “Student Achievement Assessment Regulations”. Therefore, it implies to attend the new edition of the curricular unit.
This enrolment is made at the beginning of the academic year and is counted towards the maximum number of credits for which the student can enrol.
Observations
The jury of the curricular unit is constituted by:
André Miguel Trindade Pereira
José Luís Campos de Oliveira Santos
Manuel António Salgueiro da Silva